Cauliflower Rice Arancini with Basil and Red Pepper

Cauliflower Rice Arancini with Basil and Red Pepper is a modern, lighter twist on the classic Italian fried rice balls, using cauliflower rice to reduce carbs while keeping the flavor and texture satisfying. Arancini, traditionally made with risotto, are beloved for their crispy exterior and soft, cheesy interior, and this version brings a fresh, vegetable-forward approach with vibrant herbs and roasted red pepper. It’s an elegant appetizer, snack, or side dish that delivers bold flavor in every bite while staying on the healthier side.

In this recipe, cauliflower rice is combined with fresh basil, roasted red pepper, a touch of Parmesan, and breadcrumbs to form bite-sized balls. These are lightly coated and baked or shallow-fried until golden and crispy on the outside, with a tender, flavorful interior. Optional marinara or pesto dipping sauces enhance the experience, providing a rich, tangy complement to the savory arancini. Each bite balances crunch, freshness, and aromatic flavors perfectly.

Perfect for entertaining, weeknight dinners, or as a party appetizer, Cauliflower Rice Arancini with Basil and Red Pepper is both delicious and visually appealing. Its combination of crispiness, fresh herbs, and vibrant pepper makes it a standout dish that feels indulgent without being heavy. This recipe showcases how classic comfort foods can be reimagined with a healthy, modern twist.

Cauliflower Rice Arancini with Basil and Red Pepper

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Cauliflower Rice Arancini with Basil and Red Pepper is a modern, lighter twist on the classic Italian fried rice balls, using cauliflower rice to reduce carbs while keeping the flavor and texture satisfying. Arancini, traditionally made with risotto, are beloved for their crispy exterior and soft, cheesy interior, and this version brings a fresh, vegetable-forward approach with vibrant herbs and roasted red pepper. It’s an elegant appetizer, snack, or side dish that delivers bold flavor in every bite while staying on the healthier side.

In this recipe, cauliflower rice is combined with fresh basil, roasted red pepper, a touch of Parmesan, and breadcrumbs to form bite-sized balls. These are lightly coated and baked or shallow-fried until golden and crispy on the outside, with a tender, flavorful interior. Optional marinara or pesto dipping sauces enhance the experience, providing a rich, tangy complement to the savory arancini. Each bite balances crunch, freshness, and aromatic flavors perfectly.

Perfect for entertaining, weeknight dinners, or as a party appetizer, Cauliflower Rice Arancini with Basil and Red Pepper is both delicious and visually appealing. Its combination of crispiness, fresh herbs, and vibrant pepper makes it a standout dish that feels indulgent without being heavy. This recipe showcases how classic comfort foods can be reimagined with a healthy, modern twist.

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 3-4 1x

Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

• 1/3 cup pecans or almonds
• 1/2 cup coconut flour
• 1 cauliflower rice recipe
• 1/2 cup roasted red peppers, chopped in 1/8 pieces
• 4 large basil leaves, finely chopped
• 2 large eggs, divided
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 6 tablespoons + 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• Pesto or marinara sauce

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. In a food processor, process the coconut flour and pecans. Blend until the pecans are mixed in with the flour and are small rice size pieces.  Transfer to a bowl and add the salt and pepper.
3. In a large metal bowl, combine the cauliflower rice, peppers, garlic powder, basil, 1 egg,  salt and pepper.
4. Form mixture into 1½” balls.
5. In a small bowl, whisk 1 egg and set aside.
6. Dredge balls in the eggs mixture.  And then roll ball immediately into the flour/nut mixture.
7. Using a frying pan over medium high heat, melt coconut oil.
8. Fry the rice balls 2 minutes on each side.   Transfer to a baking dish with 1 tablespoon melted coconut oil (or more depending on the size of your dish). 
   
9. Bake in oven 10 minutes.  The  rice balls should be golden brown and warmed completely through.
10. Spoon sauce (pesto or marinara) onto a plate.  Add rice balls on top of the sauce and serve.

• Author: Recipe Maker
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main Dishes Gluten Free Paleo Side Dishes
• Cuisine: American Recipes